The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor approaching the separation wall near Faqqua. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians during a raid in Ni’lin, and injured others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Nabi Salih. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures in az-Za’ayyyem, displacing 11. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian in the Old City. Israeli forces also assaulted several Palestinians in Jabel Mukaber. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Sur Baher. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel, landing in an open area; no damage was reported. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of al-Qarara, Dayr al-Balah, and Jabaliya. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the eleventh Saturday in a row. (AP, AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/18; UNOCHA 3/19; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah met with senior members of Hamas, including its deputy political leader Saleh al-Arouri, in Lebanon. (HA, MEMO 3/19)

VICE released their own investigation into the death of Walid al-Sharif, who was shot on 4/22/2022 at the Haram al-Sharif compound, concluding that he died of a baton round to the head fired by Israeli forces. Israeli authorities had maintained that the 23-year-old had died because he fell while running from Israeli forces. Sharif fell into a coma after being hit by the baton round and died on 5/14/2022. The VICE investigation was based on video analysis with help from Forensic Architecture. (VICE 3/18; HA 3/19)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; no Palestinians are seriously injured. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Hebron protest at the Abu Rajab house that Israeli settlers seized on 7/25, and which has been subject to ongoing litigation ever since. Elsewhere in Hebron, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops on a patrol, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is lightly injured. The IDF also arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Jenin, and patrol near Ramallah and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer working in his fields south of Bethlehem, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian youth in the Old City of East Jerusalem, allegedly for carrying a knife. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 10/20; WAFA 10/21; MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/26)

A Hamas delegation arrives in Iran for talks on the Palestinian reconciliation process and other regional issues. A Hamas official says that the group wants to increase its cooperation with Iran and to “secure Iranian financial and logistical support.” (AFP, HA 10/20; HA 10/21)

Three Palestinian citizens of Israel open fire on Israeli police officers in the Old City of Jerusalem, critically injuring 3 (2 succumb to their injuries later in the day). The attackers seek refuge at Haram al-Sharif, and Israeli forces shoot and kill all 3. Israeli police deploy heavily across the Old City, block off all entrances to Haram al-Sharif, and cancel Friday prayers at the sanctuary, forcing Muslim worshippers to pray in the streets. They also detain and interrogate 58 Islamic Waqf employees. With tensions running high across the city, an unidentified assailant throws a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli settler family driving through Silwan; 3 of the settlers are injured, including an infant. Israeli forces conduct raids in Abu Dis, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; at least 25 are arrested. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 1 Palestinian is killed. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries or major damage. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c. and Jabaliya r.c.; 2 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also patrols in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. (EI, HA, MNA, NYT, PNN, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/14; MNA 7/15; PCHR 7/20)

PA pres. Abbas phones Israeli PM Netanyahu to condemn the morning’s attack in Jerusalem and to denounce violence on both sides, particularly at holy sites. He also calls for Netanyahu to reopen Haram al-Sharif. Netanyahu reportedly tells Abbas that he will uphold the status quo at the sanctuary, but that Israeli forces will maintain security at all costs. Abbas later calls on Jordan to intervene, and the Jordanian govt. releases a statement calling on Israel to reopen the sanctuary. (HA, TOI, WAFA 7/14; HA 7/16)

After shutting down on 7/12, the Gaza power plant resumes operations, with 3 of its turbines supplying 70 MW to the local grid. It’s unclear if the fuel required came from Egypt or somewhere else. (MNA 7/15)

An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian motorcyclist nr. Bethlehem, causing fatal injuries. The Israeli police describe the incident as a “road accident,” though it is not clear whether the collision was intentional. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians driving nr. Jenin, breaking the windshield of 1 vehicle. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Gaza City; 8 Palestinians and 1 Korean activist are injured. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and issues 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, and patrols nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/8; PCHR 7/13)

A Palestinian infant succumbs to injuries sustained amid clashes in Abud village nr. Ramallah on 5/19/2017, when IDF troops fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian homes during the clashes. The infant inhaled an ultimately fatal amount of gas. (MNA, WAFA 7/8)

A suicide bomber detonates a car at an Egyptian checkpoint in Rafah in n. Sinai, killing at least 10 Egyptian soldiers and injuring 26 others. In clashes sparked by their search for accomplices, Egyptian security forces kill 40 armed fighters affiliated with the Sinai Province of the Islamic State and other Islamist groups in the area, and destroy 6 vehicles. (MNA 7/7)

Despite Israeli and U.S. opposition, UNESCO’s World Heritage Comm. approves a res. inscribing Hebron’s Old City, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, on its List of World Heritage in Danger. Twelve countries vote in favor of the measure, 3 oppose it, and 6 abstain. (BBC, GDN, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/7; MNA 7/9)

Israeli police shoot and kill 3 Palestinian youths outside the Old City of East Jerusalem after they attack Israeli guards at Damascus Gate with knives and guns: 1 Israeli police officer is lightly injured and 1 is fatally wounded, succumbing to her injuries later in the day. After the attack, IDF troops conduct raids in the alleged attackers’ village of Dayr Abu Mash‘al nr. Ramallah, imposing a lockdown on the village and sparking clashes with residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. Israeli PM Netanyahu then rescinds all 250,000 permits issued to Palestinians for Ramadan. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16)

While the Israeli authorities ramp up their crackdown, thousands of Palestinians visit Haram al-Sharif on the 3d Friday of Ramadan, and Israeli police deploy additional battalions throughout East Jerusalem. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian youths attempting to cross into Jerusalem from Bethlehem to pray at the sanctuary. Separately, IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. Jabaliya r.c., al-Bureij r.c., Rafah, and Khan Yunis; 7 Palestinians are injured. They arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence; there are no serious injuries. (HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 6/16; MNA 6/17; WAFA 6/19; PCHR 6/22)

Israeli forces arrest a mentally unstable Palestinian after he stabs and kills a UK woman on the Jerusalem Light Rail nr. the Old City. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 4 Muslim worshippers when they attempt to stop Jewish settlers from praying at Haram alSharif. They arrest 10 more as they are exiting the sanctuary, and also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint outside Nabi Salih after he is found to be carrying a knife. Meanwhile, they violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, settlements, and withholding of Palestinian corpses in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and Bethlehem; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also establish a mobile checkpoint e. of Tubas, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 4 Palestinians are injured. The IDF patrols nr. Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Juhur al-Dik and again nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 4/14; HA 4/15; PCHR 4/20)

The Israeli authorities open the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow fuel to enter Gaza. They closed the crossing for Passover on 4/9, and are set to shut it down again from 4/15 through 4/17. (MNA 4/14)

The Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) temporarily cuts off power throughout the region in protest of “unfair measures” imposed on the people of Gaza, including the reduction of former PA employees’ salaries. (MNA 4/14)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s settlements, the separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is killed in Gaza and 3 are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians outside Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops issue 2 Palestinians arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron and patrol nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City and Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a group of Palestinian youths nr. Gaza City. There are no injuries in either incident. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel gather in Kafr Kanna and other villages to protest a bill, approved in a Knesset comm. on 11/13, that would bar mosques from broadcasting the call to prayer (see JPS 46 [2]). (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 5th of 5 planned days. (MNA 11/18; OCHA 12/2)

In the heaviest day of violence since the beginning of 7/2016, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians and 1 Jordanian in East Jerusalem and the Hebron area. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Jordanian youth outside the Old City of Jerusalem after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. An eyewitness reports that the youth did not attack anyone, and that he only yelled “Allahu akbar” when the Israeli forces asked him to lift his shirt. Israeli forces later find a knife on his body. IDF troops open fire on 2 Palestinians allegedly attempting a ramming attack outside Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other; 3 Israelis are injured in the alleged ramming. Separately, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian in c. Hebron after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli soldier. After the attacks, an officer with Israel’s COGAT says that the IDF will impose strict punishments on the attackers’ home villages, including Bani Na‘im. The IDF then shuts down a number of checkpoints in Hebron and the entrances to Bani Na‘im, declaring the village and c. Hebron closed military zones. Israeli troops conduct raids in Bani Na‘im late at night, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 9/16; HA 9/17; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, and Jalazun r.c.), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also disperse Palestinian stone-throwers nr. Nablus, arresting 1; arrest 1 Palestinian and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Salfit, Hebron, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Salfit, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron throughout the day. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli bus traveling between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement, injuring the driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces search cars and detain a handful of Palestinians during patrols in Silwan, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents of the area; 2 Palestinians are injured. A Palestinian man demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying for Israeli demolition crews. (MNA 9/16; PCHR 9/22)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in solidarity with hungerstriking prisoner Bilal Kayed and against Israel’s settlement, separation wall, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 1 Palestinian is injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 4 Palestinians and issues 3 arrest summons during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrols nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no injuries. They arrest 5 fishermen and confiscate their boats. (MNA 8/12; MNA 8/13; PCHR 8/18)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured and at least 4 are arrested. On Gaza’s border, an explosive device detonates under an armored Israeli bulldozer, causing damage but no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on 2 Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen, arresting 4, and then confiscating the boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, arresting 2 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 4; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse Palestinians conducting a sit-in in Silwan in protest of Israeli efforts to Judaize the city; 6 Palestinians are arrested and a tent is confiscated. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian for allegedly planning a stabbing attack outside the Old City, and temporarily detain a shaykh at Haram al-Sharif, accusing him of “incitement.” (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/8; PCHR 4/14)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the Obama admin. has not decided whether or not to support the draft UNSC res. condemning Israel’s settlements that the Palestinians circulated earlier in the week (a U.S. veto would scuttle the effort). Separately, 394 mbrs., or 90%, of the House of Representatives sign onto a letter calling on U.S. pres. Obama to “oppose and, if need be, veto one-sided UNSC resolutions,” inter alia. (USSD 4/8; TOI 4/9; JP 4/10; JTA 4/15)

Alleged stabbing attacks continue across the oPt. Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when a knife is found on her person, and arrest another Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli police officers in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths nr. the Old City of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 3d of 3 planned days and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers in c. Hebron verbally assault the human rights worker who captured video of the unprovoked killing nearby on 3/24. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 5; patrol in Tulkarm and nr. Hebron. Israeli forces shut down a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, TOI 3/25; MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/31)

At the Jaffa Military Court, IDF prosecutors formally charge with murder the Israeli soldier who shot and killed an incapacitated Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24. (TOI 3/27)

Unknown Gazans fire a number of rockets into Israel, and at least 3 land nr. Sderot, causing no injuries or damage. Israel Air Force jets launch retaliatory air strikes on 4 Hamas sites in n. Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian child, injuring 4, and causing substantial damage (a 2d Palestinian child will succumb to her injuries on 3/12). Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian outside the Old City after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. In the West Bank, unidentified assailants throw a firebomb at an Israeli settler’s vehicle nr. Hebron, causing damage, and open fire on Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, injuring 2. After the 2d attack, the IDF closes several roads and conducts raids in a nearby village. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, and outside Ofer Prison), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, along Gaza’s border, and in 1 neighborhood in East Jerusalem (Abu Dis); 5 Palestinians are injured. They also conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing an arrest summons to another; patrol nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah and Salfit, and Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/11; HA, MNA, NYT, YA 3/12; PCHR 3/17; EI 3/18)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at the Gush Etzion junction nr. Bethlehem after she allegedly attempts to ram an Israeli soldier (the soldier is injured in the collision). In the evening, a verbal argument between small groups of Palestinians and Israelis in the Old City of Jerusalem turns violent; 1 Israeli is stabbed and lightly injured. Meanwhile, the IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside a settlement nr. al-Bireh), 1 nr. Qalqilya, in n. Bethlehem, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 7 Palestinians are injured. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Bethlehem, arresting 7 Palestinians; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Israeli forces level 2 small swaths of land nr. Salfit. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian workers nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians in the Old City and 2 on raids in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; there are no serious injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 3/4; PCHR 3/10)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinians approaching the border fence, injuring 3. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians and 1 international are moderately injured and dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Jericho, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians in the Old City. After Israeli forces bar a group of rightwing Jewish activists from entering a school in Haram al-Sharif, a leader of the activists writes a letter to the Israeli authorities calling for the school to be officially recognized as a synagogue under the Protection of Holy Places Law and for Jews to be allowed to worship there. (MNA 4/3, 4/4; WAFA 4/7; PCHR 4/9)

Israeli PM Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet to discuss the 4/2 agreement between the P5+1 and Iran, and the cabinet unanimously opposes the deal. Netanyahu says, “This is a bad deal not just for Israel, this is a bad deal for the region and for the world,” and calls for any final deal to require Iran to recognize Israel’s right to exist. (AFP, HA, JP, TOI 4/3; REU, TOI 4/4)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire on land nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Silwad, Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, outside Ofer Prison, and Jalazun r.c.), Kisan nr. Bethlehem, and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; a total of 25 protesters are moderately injured. The IDF also raids the “Gate of Jerusalem” protest tent camp in Abu Dis, sparking clashes with Palestinian and international activists; 2 activists are arrested. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and in and around Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 6; patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian outside Hebron, lightly injuring him; throw stones at Palestinian cars on a road between Jenin and Nablus, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian nr. the Old City. (MNA, YA 3/13; MNA, PNN, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/19)

On the sidelines of economic talks in Egypt, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah and PA Pres. Abbas to discuss the PA’s economic crisis. At the conference, Abbas says, “There is no alternative but to reevaluate the security and economic relations with Israel, so that the PA would restore its role in building and ending the occupation.” Kerry reportedly tells Abbas that he will pressure Israel into transferring the tax revenues that it has withheld for 3 mos. (AFP, JP, TOI 3/13; AFP, JP, WAFA 3/14)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the n. border open fire on 2 Palestinian men trying to enter Israel, injuring and detaining 1. In the West Bank, the IDF arrests 15 Palestinians nr. Qalqilya on charges relating to the 12/25 Molotov cocktail attack. Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. Later, Israeli settlers clash with stonethrowing Palestinians in Bayt Umar, injuring 1 Israeli. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin) and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), injuring 4. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jalazun r.c.; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, and Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers accompanied by IDF troops enter a village nr. Jenin to perform religious rites. PA security forces shoot and injure a Palestinian teenager during overnight clashes with stone-throwing residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian man stabs 2 Israeli border police guards nr. the Old City, injuring them both. Separately, Israeli forces arrest a Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) leader at a mobile checkpoint between Jerusalem and Jericho, and a Palestinian youth in Ras alAmud. Israeli forces also conduct a raid in Wadi al-Juz, sparking clashes with stonethrowing residents; 1 Palestinian is injured and arrested. (JP, MNA, TOI, YA 12/26; IMEMC 12/27; PCHR 12/31)

In the Sinai Peninsula, Egyptian authorities complete a survey of the 1,200 homes between 500 and 1,000 m of the border with Gaza and prepare to begin demolitions, as announced on 11/17. (MNA 12/27; DNE 12/29; ALM 12/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel in the Eshkol region. Israel holds Hamas responsible and the IDF launches a latenight air strike at a Hamas military training site nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to the site and a nearby UNRWA school. It is the 1st Israeli bombing in Gaza since the 8/26 cease-fire ended OPE. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather in Turmus ‘Ayya, Silwad, and Ofer detention center to protest the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, sparking clashes with IDF troops in which 9 Palestinians are injured with rubbercoated metal bullets and 2 are detained. In Silwad, Israeli soldiers deliberately fire at electricity transformers, causing a power outage. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), Bethlehem, and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), shooting 1 in Bil‘in with a rubber-coated metal bullet and 1 in Ni‘lin. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, dozens gather in Balata r.c. to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the PFLP. In East Jerusalem, nearly 60,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, then march through the streets of the Old City in protest of Israeli policies regarding the site. Later, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City, al-Wad, Silwan, and al-Bustan. Clashes break out between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians late at night in Wadi al-Juz, Anata, and Silwan. Police injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 5. (AP, HA, MNA, 12/19; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/25)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, which includes increased intelligence and military cooperation and new congressional oversight procedures. (TOI 12/20; IHY, JP, JTA 12/21)

The UNGApasses 2 nonbinding res. regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian affairs: the 1st calls on Israel to pay Lebanon $856.4 m. in damages related to an oil spill Israeli forces caused during the 2006 war; the 2d recognizes Palestinian sovereignty over the natural resources in the oPt. (AFP, WAFA 12/20)

A leaked report from the IAEA concludes that Iran is upholding commitments made to the P5+1 related to its disputed nuclear program. (JP, REU 12/18)

U.S. Secy of State John Kerry leaves Israel after 2 days of meetings saying that discussions had been “productive” but with no obvious sign of a breakthrough. Kerry says that Netanyahu and Abbas have a week or 2 to make difficult decisions that would allow the resumption of direct negotiations. (HA, REU 5/24) In the Gaza Strip, the IDF conducts an incursion nr. Khan Yunis, entering 250 meters past the border fence and levelling land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in the Old City of Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin, al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr Hebron, and 1 village nr. both Jericho and Salfit at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except 2 in Bil‘in and 1 in al-Ma‘sara; all injured individuals were struck with tear gas canisters. (MNA 5/24; PCHR 5/30)

Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinian youths and Israeli police clash after Friday prayers, with Israeli security forces briefly entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Palestinians protest outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, in Abud village nr. Ramallah (where 4 are wounded including one seriously), at Jalama checkpoint nr. Jenin, and in Tulkarm and nearby ‘Anabta village. In all cases, the IDF violently disperses the protests with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition, though no serious injuries are reported. The largest protest is in Hebron, where around 1,500 Palestinians clash with IDF forces and 1 Palestinian man is shot in the foot. In addition, Palestinian and international activists demonstrate in the center of Hebron for the opening of Shuhada Street. The IDF violently disperses the demonstrators, causing 3 moderate injuries with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum, Jayyous) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara). Injuries include, 1 Palestinian is wounded from a tear gas canister to the head in Bil‘in and 8 Palestinians wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets (5 in Budrus and 3 in al-Nabi Salih). The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in al-Fawar refugee camp nr. Hebron (clashes but no serious injuries reported) and Qalqilya in the afternoon; and in 2 villages each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents: nr. Bayt Hanun (wounding 2) and nr. Jabaliya (wounding 1). Israeli naval vessels open fire on fishermen working off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 2/22, PCHR 2/28)

IDF troops on the c. Gaza border e. of Gaza Valley open fire on 7 Palestinians nr. the border fence, killing 1 Palestinian teenager and wounding another, then enter Gaza to detain the entire group. The IDF claims they were engaging in hostile activity, a charge local Palestinians deny. (NYT, WP 11/14; PCHR 11/19; OCHA 11/20; OCHA Humanitarian Monitor 11/09)

In the West Bank, the IDF completes construction of a segment of the separation wall along bypass road No. 55 nr. Qalqilya, completely isolating Azun village and separating the farmers in the village fr. at least 1,300 d. of their land; fires live ammunition at Palestinian and international activists taking part in a nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall in Ni‘lin (injuring at least 2 Palestinians); fires rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs, tear gas at Palestinian activists, some of whom throw stones at IDF troops, taking part in a demonstration against the separation wall in Bil‘in (10s suffer fr. tear gas inhalation). Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino occupy a Palestinian commercial building on al-Sahla street in the old city of Hebron for several hrs. to conduct religious ceremonies. (MNA 11/14; PCHR 11/19; OCHA 11/20)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into s. Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight e. of Abasan, Khuza, and al-Fukhari villages. (PCHR 8/27)

In the West Bank, the IDF fires rubbercoated steel bullets, sound bombs, tear gas, skunk (a foul-smelling liquid) at Palestinians and international activists taking part in a nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall in Ni‘lin (10s suffer fr. tear gas inhalation); fires rubber-coated steel bullets, sound bombs, tear gas and violently beats a number of Palestinian and international activists taking part in a nonviolent demonstration against the separation wall in al-Ma‘sara (injuring 2, including 1 teenager); fires rubber-coated bullets, sound bombs, tear gas at Palestinian activists, some of whom throw stones at IDF troops, taking part in a demonstration against the separation wall in Bil‘in (10s suffer fr. tear gas inhalation); implements additional security restrictions on the movements of Palestinians in the old city of Hebron, which prevents a number of them fr. entering the al-Ibrahimi Mosque/ Tomb of the Patriarchs for Friday prayers; conducts late-night raids, house searches in Surif village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. (OCHA 8/25; PCHR 8/27)

An unidentified gunman shoots, wounds 2 Israeli policemen in Jerusalem’s Old City (1 policeman dies of his injuries btwn. 7/23 and 7/30); no group takes responsibility, but Israel says it assumes it was a nationalist attack by a Palestinian. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts early morning arrest raids, house searches in Jalazun r.c.; fatally shoots a 50-yr.-old Hamas mbr. in an alleged exchange of gunfire nr. Yakir settlement nr. Salfit; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas at Palestinian, Israeli, international activists taking part in the weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall in Bil‘in (10s suffer tear gas inhalation) and al-Ma‘sara (wounding 2); fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians and international activists protesting IDF bulldozing operations for construction of the separation wall nr. Ni‘lin, wounding 5, arresting 4; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., nr. Bethlehem. (WP 7/13; OCHA 7/16; PCHR 7/17)